Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearEvents & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award
Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.
Former GIA CEO Susan Jacques (left) presented the 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award to industry veteran Al Gilbertson.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The American Gem Society (AGS) awarded its annual Robert M. Shipley Award to Al Gilbertson.
The award was given during a reception Tuesday at its inaugural Converge event, co-hosted with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The award is AGS’ highest honor and recognizes a lifetime of excellence in gemological research, education, and service to the industry.
Gilbertson has been a graduate gemologist through GIA and a certified gemologist through AGS since 1979.
For decades, he has worked to shape practice and theory in the gemological field, said AGS.
He also has decades of experience as a jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner.
In his early career, he worked on jewelry restoration, custom cutting, lapidary work, and appraisal services.
In 2000, Gilbertson joined GIA as a researcher.
He is a member of the GIA team that studies how proportions and other factors impact the appearance of fancy-shaped diamonds, working to develop a cut grading system for those shapes.
Gilbertson is also one of the inventors of GIA’s cut grading system for round brilliant diamonds, and his name can be found on several of the patents related to that system.
His book, “American Cut — The First 100 Years,” is “widely regarded as the definitive work on the subject,” said AGS.
Related stories will be right here …
The award was given during a reception Tuesday at its inaugural Converge event, co-hosted with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The award is AGS’ highest honor and recognizes a lifetime of excellence in gemological research, education, and service to the industry.
Gilbertson has been a graduate gemologist through GIA and a certified gemologist through AGS since 1979.
For decades, he has worked to shape practice and theory in the gemological field, said AGS.
He also has decades of experience as a jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner.
In his early career, he worked on jewelry restoration, custom cutting, lapidary work, and appraisal services.
In 2000, Gilbertson joined GIA as a researcher.
He is a member of the GIA team that studies how proportions and other factors impact the appearance of fancy-shaped diamonds, working to develop a cut grading system for those shapes.
Gilbertson is also one of the inventors of GIA’s cut grading system for round brilliant diamonds, and his name can be found on several of the patents related to that system.
His book, “American Cut — The First 100 Years,” is “widely regarded as the definitive work on the subject,” said AGS.
“Al’s impact on the gemological field is profound,” said Susan Jacques, the former CEO of GIA, who presented the award.
“His work is at the heart of how we evaluate the quality of a diamond’s cut. He brings curiosity, precision, and an enduring passion for excellence to every project, and his legacy will continue to guide gemological science for generations to come.”
“I’ve enjoyed my journey in this industry,” said Gilbertson in his acceptance speech. “I appreciate all the opportunities I’ve been given, and I encourage anybody who’s given opportunities to excel in this industry to take them and run with it.”
Gilbertson was raised in the lapidary gem cutting business, but he didn’t immediately join the family business.
He joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a Russian linguist stationed near Washington, D.C., from 1971 to 1974.
His father, Chester “Chet” Gilbertson passed away suddenly, and Al, an only child, was released from the U.S. Air Force to help his mother Ida run the family business, Gil’s Rock Shop, in Tehachapi, California.
In 1977, he joined McDonald Jewelers in Fresno, California as a custom gem cutter. He also worked in appraisals, sales, and management.
Later, he joined Tenbrook Jewelers as an appraiser and staff trainer at its locations in Albany, Newport, and Lincoln City in Oregon.
In 1987, with some encouragement from Marty Zell of Zell Brothers, Gilbertson founded Gem Profiles, an independent appraisal service in Portland, Oregon, that worked with more than 70 jewelers.
Gilbertson also owned Gilbertson Company, a platinum and goldsmithing company that specialized in custom jewelry manufacturing, restoration of period jewelry, custom fabrication, rendering, and model making.
Most recently, he has taught jewelry forensics courses at GIA.
“Al’s ability to bridge scientific precision with an understanding of diamond beauty has helped elevate our industry,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society, in a statement.
“We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to honor him.”
Gilbertson was also the recipient of the 2017 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology from the Accredited Gemologists Association.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
